Great Gifts Ideas for Seniors in Assisted Living

As the holidays draw closer and closer, one of your biggest questions may be what to give an older family members or older adult elderly relatives who are in an assisted living facilityies. Whether it’s your parents, grandparents, or other relatives, in most cases they will tell you they need absolutely nothing. While this may or may not be true, that’s not going to stop you from searching high and low for the perfect gift. If you’re wanting to make sure you find a unique gift this holiday season, here are some great holiday gift ideas.

Fleece Bed Jacket

If you’ve got a relative who’s always complaining of being cold, a fleece bed jacket just might be the best gift idea. Perfect to wear when she has company over, the jackets come in a wide variety of colors, with an easy closure at the neck, making getting it on and off much easier. Perfect to wear whether in a wheelchair or sitting in a recliner.

Personal Care

Of course in assisted living residents are only allowed a certain number of personal items but a simple and inexpensive gift is body lotion. As we age our skin and body can get dehydrated faster so it is very helpful to have a lovely lotion to use on a regular basis. We recommend sticking to something more natural and to avoid fragrances, something as simple as the Aveeno Fragrance Free Lotion is perfect!

Old-Time Candy

If your relative has a sweet tooth and loves to reminisce about days gone by, consider buying them a gift basket consisting of old-time candy. Available in nostalgic collections from various decades, it’s a great gift idea that not only can you enjoy with your relative, but will also inspire them to tell funny and maybe even poignant stories from their younger days. Find a large variety on Amazon!

Nightgown

Everyone needs something cozy to wear for sleeping. That is why our nightgowns are our best sellers when it comes to buying for seniors or the elderly in assisted living. Not only are they comfortable, soft and breathable, but with the open back design it allows for privacy and full coverage. It’s also easy to put on for caregivers whether your loved one spends most of their time seated, lying down or is able to stand. This season’s favorite nightgown for women is the Women’s Open Back Henley Nightgown and for Dad or Grandpa we’ve got the extra warm Men’s Flannel Hospital & Home Care Gown.

Simple Music Player

For relatives who may have problems with dementia or Alzheimer’s, research has shown that listening to familiar music can offer numerous benefits. If you’re willing to spend about $200, the Simple Music Player MP3 Box could be the gift you’ve been seeking. Easy to operate and resembling an old-time radio, it comes programmed with 40 classic oldies, and can have more tunes added by a caregiver.

Talking Alarm Clock

If there is one thing many older people have trouble with, it’s remembering when to take their medications. Since this can be potentially very dangerous, giving a talking alarm clock can indeed be a lifesaver. Showing the current date and time in large, easy-to-read letters and numbers, it has a soothing female voice that can be programmed to talk up to four times daily as a reminder for your loved one to take their medication. Small enough to easily set on a table or nightstand, it costs $30 and is a gift that can give true peace of mind to you and your relative.

Huggable Electronic Breathing Pets

In many assisted-living facilities, pets are not allowed. However, if you give your loved one a huggable electronic breathing pet, they’ll feel just like they’ve got a furry canine or feline companion in their lap. Battery-operated, they actually feel and sound as if they are breathing, as well as looking extremely life-like. Shown to be good for people with Alzheimer’s as a way to help them calm down, these pets offer numerous benefits. At less than $40, they’re a real bargain.

Unisex Adaptive Bib

Using a bib when eating can be very helpful to protect your loved one and their clothing. Especially if hand dexterity is no longer at its best. Check out our Unisex Senior Adaptive Bib, it is designed with extra length to cover both chest and lap. It is also easy to put on our their own or with the help of a caregiver. Very practical and helpful gift for your loved one in an assisted living home!

Photo Album

For those with elderly relatives in assisted living, a personalized photo album can be a deeply meaningful and thoughtful gift. Such an album not only brings a touch of warmth and personalization to a resident’s room but also serves as a tangible connection to cherished memories and loved ones. This type of gift is particularly significant for those who are a dementia patient, as it can help stimulate memories and provide comfort. Customizing a photo album with favorite photographs and memories creates not just a gift, but a cherished keepsake that your senior loved one can turn to for a sense of familiarity and joy. 

Gifts from Silverts

Non-Slip Slippers

Silverts non-slip slippers are an excellent gift choice for your senior loved one in assisted living. Designed with seniors in mind, these slippers feature non-slip soles to minimize fall risks and easy closures to accommodate limited hand dexterity. They are available in a range of stylish designs and are crafted from plush, comfortable materials, ensuring all-day wearability. Gifting a pair of these adaptive slippers shows your care for their daily comfort and safety, making it a thoughtful and practical choice.

Shirts for Seniors

Silverts selection of adaptive men’s shirts offers a perfect gift for seniors, combining style with practicality. These shirts are designed with the needs of seniors in mind, featuring easy-to-use magnetic closures or open back designs that make dressing simpler for those with limited mobility or dexterity. Available in a variety of styles, from casual t-shirts to formal dress shirts, they provide comfort and ease for everyday wear. Gifting one of these shirts to your family member one not only caters to their practical needs but also adds a touch of elegance and dignity to their wardrobe.

No matter whether you choose one or all of these gifts for your loved one, there’s no doubt they will not only have a Christmas to remember, but peace of mind and true joy as well.

Article c/o Senior Helpers of Westford, MA